OSCE: Situation with freedom of speech in Crimea is worrying

During her visit to Ukraine, Dunja Mijatovic, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, will discuss journalists’ safety and freedom of speech in Russian-occupied Crimea.

KIEV (QHA) -

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic intends to establish a special mission protecting the rights of journalists in annexed Crimea, reports the press service of the Ukrainian Journalists Union.

“Unfortunately, the ongoing crisis in and around Ukraine, the situation with the safety of journalists and freedom of speech in Crimea remains worrying,” Dunja Mijatovic wrote in a letter to Sergei Tomilenko, First Secretary of the Ukrainian Journalists Union.

Mijatovic also expressed her intention to discuss the situation with freedom of speech and journalists’ safety, as well as establish a dialogue between the Russian and Ukrainian media unions during her upcoming visit to Kiev.

"As we already discussed in Vienna, I am planning to visit Ukraine in the near future. I hope I can meet with you and your colleagues from the Union and discuss both the situation with freedom of speech and our dialogue. The meeting will also facilitate the exchange of views on joint efforts in addressing the problem of journalists’ rights in Crimea and eastern Ukraine,” wrote Mijatovic.

Dunja Mijatovic also wrote that the Ukrainian Journalists Union has always ensured dialogue at the highest professional level. According to her, the International Federation of Journalists, the European Federation of Journalists and Reporters Without Borders fully support such initiatives.